Monday, 8 March 2010

''How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes''

Maya Angelou, African American Poet

Largely due to my commitment to a number of other blogs, regular readers of Musical, Ethical or Mineral may have noticed some distinct gaps in my regular posting – which I can only apologise for. I soon hope to migrate this blog to Wordpress and host guess bloggers and some more interactive features. Since today is International Women’s Day 2010 however, I decided I would make a concerted effort to make sure I posted something and signpost some other interesting resources I have come across that are discussing this hugely important international celebration.

International Women's Day (8 March) is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, IWD is a national holiday. The first IWD was run in 1911. Next year is IWD Global Centenary 1911-2011. You can read more on the history of IWD on the Official Website.

I have recently had the distinct pleasure of working on a number of blogs for The Young European Federalists (JEF), one of which entitled thenewfederalist provides news, comments & analysis of the EU, Community policies, federalism, constitutional issues and political debates on Europe. In addition to it's core content and values, the blog often publishes a number of insightful articels on Global Issues and today features a facinating article on the role of Women in conflict resolution - a topic that is very close to my heart.

At the end of this month JEF will also deliver an international seminar in Bratislava on Gender Equality and as a way of preparing the participants for the event I have assisted it putting together this blog. Although the primary purpose of the blog is to get participants thinking about what Gender means to them - there are also some facinating and thought provoking videos hosted on the site which are worth a watch. I stongly recommend anyone with an interest in Gender equality take this opportunity on International Women's day to view some of the highly relevant vidoes or read some of the Council of Europe documents on the site related to Women's rights and get involved in the debate on the site's 'Comment Corner'.

I feel a little under-prepared for this year's IWD, but I hope you all enjoy the day whatever you have planned to mark the occasion. Until next time.